{"id":244307,"date":"2020-11-16T16:15:40","date_gmt":"2020-11-17T00:15:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/?p=244307"},"modified":"2021-10-13T14:00:09","modified_gmt":"2021-10-13T21:00:09","slug":"outdoor-thanksgiving-dinner-party","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/lifestyle\/outdoor-thanksgiving-dinner-party\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Host An Outdoor Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving This Year"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Image via Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Thanksgiving is obviously a great opportunity to reflect upon what you\u2019re thankful for–and yes, that applies even during a pandemic<\/a>. Even though you likely won\u2019t be crammed around one dining room table with countless friends and family this holiday<\/a>, there are some positives! You can still enjoy turkey, stuffing<\/a>, and all the appetizers<\/a> and pie<\/a>! One option: Host an outdoor Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving.<\/p>\n

Per the CDC<\/a>, which has guidelines for modified holiday<\/a> plans, outdoor settings are safer than indoors, smaller groups are better than larger, shorter gatherings are less risky than longer ones. Plus, you won’t have to sit through awkward conversations with that one distant relative no one remembers inviting! Get your masks<\/a> and appetites ready: Here are some tips on how to enjoy a (socially distanced) Thanksgiving meal with your loved ones.<\/p>\n

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Image via @nicolemehta<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Guests<\/h2>\n

Each state has its own social gathering number restrictions, but celebrating with your own household holds the lowest risk. If you are inviting others, take the right precautions like maintaining six feet apart, wearing masks<\/a>, frequently washing your hands, eliminating shared serving utensils, and avoiding buffet-style serving.<\/p>\n

Beyond your small in-person group, you can expand the dinner to include virtual guests<\/a> from near and far. Breaking bread over Zoom<\/a> may feel a little weird, but we\u2019re all used to living a good chunk of our lives via video chat<\/a> these days, so what\u2019s one more thing? You can coordinate meals, times, and even centerpieces and activities, and think of it this way: Time spent together virtually is still time spent together<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Since most parts of the country have dipping temperatures in late November, make sure your guests bring layers<\/a>, or provide heat lamps and\/or fuzzy blankets<\/a>, which can double as holiday gifts<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Image via @chloandtell<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Food and Drinks<\/h2>\n

Thanksgiving cooking is a whole day affair. You\u2019ve got to roast the turkey and then make all the sides that each family member or friend insists on having or it ‘won\u2019t be a real Thanksgiving.’ Make it easy on yourself this year by ordering a full festive<\/a> meal (or at least the ingredients to make one) delivered straight to your door. Here are some options:<\/p>\n